Corfu, Greece...

Corfu is the most popular of the Greek islands for British holiday makers and serves as the point of entry into Greece for most people en route to Paxos. It is at Kerkyra (Corfu Town) that the international flights arrive and it is from the harbour at Kerkyra that the hydrofoil services operate their routes to Gaios. Corfu Town is a major port and with a population of roughly 40,000 it is the largest town in the Ionian islands.

Kerkyra Airport

The terminal building at Kerkyra airport is completely inadequate for the amount of holiday and charter flights that utilise it. Expect long and unorganised queues when collecting your luggage upon arrival in Corfu, and again when checking in for your flight home. Don't be surprised if you end up queuing outside the terminal building for the check-in desks - if it is raining, you will get wet! If you have onward travel arranged, such as the sea plane or hydrofoil ferry services to Paxos, make sure that you allow plenty of time between arriving in Corfu and the departure time of the onward transport to Paxos.

Corfu Town (Kerkyra)

Kerkyra is an attractive town that has been heavily influenced by the Venetians, the French and the British, resulting in a town that has charming architecture and history in abundance.

Things to do in Corfu Town (Kerkyra)

Events in Kerkyra centre on the public square/park, or Spianada. This park, which is probably one of the largest in Europe, boasts a cricket pitch - a throw back to the heavy influence of the Victorian visitors to the island. Emanating from the park are streets and alleyways that are thronged with shops, restaurants and tavernas.

Many shops and restaurants can be expensive compared to elsewhere in Greece as the local business owners profit from the large influx of tourists.

There are a several museums in Corfu Town: There is a Museum of Banknotes which is on display in the Ionian Bank; one of the best collections in the world of Asiatic art is on display at the Palace of St Michael and St George; a museum dedicated to the Balkan War of 1915 - 1917 is housed in the Serbian War Museum; there is also The Byzantium Museum and finally works celebrating the island's poet in the Solomos Museum. Also there is an impressive church that is home to the island's mummified saint which is a rewarding experience.

Corfu Town is famous for it's two forts. The oldest fort dates from the sixth century and is the least impressive of the two. The newer fort, dating from the thirteenth century, boasts dungeons, cellars and impressive turrets. This Neo Frourio, or New Fort, is well worth a visit as it it is much more interesting.

All in all, Kerkyra is well worth spending some time in, either as part of your journey to/from Paxos or as a separate day trip.

Corfu Accommodation

Travel between Paxos and Corfu is possible 24 hours a day, even if only by sea taxi (see the Getting There page), however you may prefer to find somewhere to stay in Corfu Town if you have an early morning flight home or late evening flight arrival.

Corfu Town (Kerkyra) Hotels

Corfu Town (Kerkyra) has a wide selection of hotels to suit all budgets, with many having easy access to the airport. The Bella Venezia is a three star hotel that has 31 rooms and is 3 Km from the airport. The Holiday Palace has 256 rooms as well as villas and suites available. It is classed as four star and is 4 Km from the airport. Siorra Vittoria Boutique is a small hotel that has just 9 rooms and suites. It is classed as 4 star and is just 400 metres from the centre of Kerkyra.

There are many other hotels, guest houses as well as bed and breakfast establishments in Kerkyra.

Further Information

For a full guide to Corfu, check out our sister site: Corfu Greece